Scores of protestors demonstrated Tuesday in held Kashmir to demand "a proper burial" for a leader hanged a quarter century ago. The demonstration was held occupied Srinagar by activists of the pro-independence Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). Maqbool Bhat was hanged in New Delhi's Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984, for murdering an intelligence officer. Supporters say the charges were trumped up.
The body of Bhat, founder of the JKLF, a leading political group, was buried afterwards at Tihar jail. "We urge the world community to use their influence over India in releasing the mortal remains of martyr Maqbool Bhat," senior JKLF leader Bashir Bhat told the protesters.
Five years after Bhat's death, the JKLF launched an armed revolt against Indian rule in the held Kashmir that has left tens of thousands of people dead. The protesters carried placards featuring Bhat's photograph and banners demanding the return of his body for "a proper burial." Witnesses said scores turned out for the protest. The JKLF announced a cease-fire in 1994 against Indian security forces and said it would pursue its struggle for Kashmir's independence through political means.